What an amazing adventure to Maui! We traveled in late November 2014 to the beautiful island of Maui in the U.S. state of Hawaii. I like to point out that it is the 50th state. It is exotic, yet familiar. No passport needed. Purchases can be made in U.S. Dollars. Locals speak English. Yet you can learn about the interesting and unique culture of these Polynesian islands in the South Pacific, while exploring the lush, tropical paradise of the islands.
My first three nights were spent at the Grand Wailea Hotel - a Waldorf Astoria Resort. The room was luxurious and comfortable for resting after a busy day in the classroom learning more about the islands. My window looked out upon the gorgeous Pacific Ocean.
Our days were spent listening to updates from representatives of the Hawaii Visitors Bureau and its island chapters, as well as participating in one-on-one meetings with suppliers in the travel industry. We also had an opportunity to learn more about Hawaiian culture with hands-on lessons in lei making, hula dance, ukulele playing, and the local language. We also had the chance to tour additional area hotels including the Wailea Beach Marriott, Makena Beach & Golf Resort & Spa, Fairmont Kea Lani, and Mana Kai Maui. See photos below, and view more on our
Treasure Travel Facebook Page.
 |
| Wedding Gazebo at Fairmont Kea Lani |
 |
| Fairmont Kea Lani pool area |
 |
| Views from Makena Lawn |
 |
| Views from Breakfast at Mana Lani |
 |
| Views from Marriott rooms |
One highlight of the trip was the reception hosted by White Orchid Wedding (WOW) at their exclusive Beach House in a residential area of Makena. This property can be rented for weddings and other private events; and it is a stunning setting for a couple in love to say their vows.
 |
| Bernie is a fantastic wedding planner with WOW |
On the fourth day our group split into post-fams 3-day excursions on different islands, and I had the privilege to stay on beautiful Maui! We moved on to Ka'anapali Beach area on the northwest of the island, where we spent one night at the Hyatt Regency in Maui and two nights at the Royal Lahaina Resort. I would recommend both properties without hesitation. The Hyatt is well-known for its excellent pool and upscale Japanese restaurant Japengo (amazing sushi!) while the Royal Lahaina has true Hawaiian charm, an excellent beach, and great pricing.
 |
| Views from Hyatt |
 |
| Love this pool at the Hyatt |
 |
| Grotto Bar at the Hyatt |
 |
| Ocean views and perfect beach at Royal Lahaina |
 |
| Suites at Royal Lahaina are a great value with great amenities |
Last but not least, we spent a LONG day on the epic Road to Hana with its dangerous curves, spectacular vistas, hidden waterfalls, and numerous rainbows -- not only for the experience of the trip itself, but also to visit the very special Travaasa Hana hotel. This property is completely removed from the rest of Maui, and is a special gem that not a lot of travelers get to experience. The property is accessible by the long road trip to the southern tip of the island, or by a short and incredibly scenic flight from Kahului airport (OGG) for just $59 per person. Once you arrive at the resort, you feel you have entered another world. There are no TVs to occupy your time; you must get out and experience the real Hawaii. So many activities are included, and they even have a meal plan. This is the closest thing to an "all-inclusive" that Hawaii has to offer. While most of the property is family-friendly, they do have an adults-only section for those honeymooners and couples looking for romance, privacy, and seclusion.
 |
| Travaasa Hana - adults-only section |
There are so many more wonderful stories and useful details from the Hawaii Travel Exchange. Please
contact us if you have any questions or are interested in booking your own family vacation, honeymoon, or destination wedding in Hawaii!
